Dónal Lunny dies at 79, leaving a 60-year legacy in Irish folk

Dónal Lunny died at 79 from cancer on Friday, ending a six-decade career that reshaped Irish traditional music. His family confirmed the death, noting he passed away peacefully in the morning at St James's Hospital in Dublin following a brief admission.

A post on Lunny's Facebook page stated the family was heartbroken but grateful for the outpouring of support celebrating his "immense contribution to music, to culture and to so many people's lives all over the world." The message concluded with the Irish phrase "Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann," which translates to his like will not be seen again.

Lunny was born in Tullamore, County Offaly, and first gained recognition in the trio Rakes of Kildare with his brother Frank and Christy Moore. He subsequently performed with Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band, and Coolfin, touring globally. Although a multi-instrumentalist, he is most associated with the bouzouki, an instrument he helped integrate into the Irish folk canon. Through his own label, Mulligan Records, he produced 17 albums.

President Catherine Connolly described Lunny as "one of Ireland's greatest musical figures, a wonderfully talented musician and producer." She cited his central role in many influential moments in Irish music over the past 60 years and his long partnerships with musicians such as Christy Moore and Andy Irvine. Connolly noted that his peers recognized his work through his membership in Aosdána and a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" by the news, calling Lunny "a colossus of Irish music, as a performer, songwriter and producer." Martin added that Lunny was "uniquely gifted" and brought traditional and folk music to new audiences through Planxty and other projects.

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald also paid tribute online, calling Lunny "a giant of Irish traditional music" who helped shape the sound of Irish music for generations. She wrote that his contribution to Irish music and culture would never be forgotten.